Fresh wind blowing

Stately windmills greeted delegates driving to the town of Pincher Creek, a leader in wind technology, for the 2006 convention of the Alberta Conference of MB Churches (ACMB), Mar. 17–18.

An empowering wind blew through the two-day convention, beginning Friday night with a time of worship and celebration, filling the congregation with a sense of enthusiasm and joy. Provincial moderator Mark Jantzen prayed that delegates would experience “a sense of God’s Spirit breaking through.”

Good news

Nelson Senft of LaGlace Bible Fellowship, the most northerly MB church in Alberta, spoke on Friday night to delegates at Foothills Community Church, the southernmost MB church in the province. Pastor Senft spoke from

Business sessions on Saturday brought good news from all agencies, especially in the area of finances:

The Executive Board announced a surplus of more than $12,200 after closing the 2005–2006 books. Delegates unanimously accepted a $211,200 ACMB budget for 2006–2007.

Camp Evergreen happily conveyed a turnaround in its financial situation. The Camping Ministries Commission reported a mere $75,000 shortfall for 2005, a balanced budget for 2006, and an anticipated surplus for 2007. The camp intends to redevelop its facilities, starting with a new welcome centre next year.

Several steps were taken to safeguard churches:

• The Faith and Life Commission (FLC) presented a recommendation for the acceptance of provincial Conflict Management Guidelines, giving congregations clearer directions on how to manage conflict. Although several delegates raised questions about lines of authority between local congregations and the FLC in situations of serious disagreements, the new guidelines were welcomed and approved. The FLC will carry primary responsibility in situations where mediation is necessary, rather than the conference minister or executive.
• In order to shield churches against lawsuits, delegates approved the acquisition of Directors Liability Insurance for the provincial executive, commissions, camp, and all Alberta MB churches.

Delegates were especially appreciative of Alberta conference minister Merv Boschman’s ministry and affirmed him for continued service in that role.

Lloyd Letkeman presented Mennonite Brethren Mission and Service International’s strategy for short-term mission cycles, building opportunities for intergenerational ministry and providing a shot of “vitamins” for international missionaries.

24 new initiatives – 2012.24

Merv Boschman (l), Konrad Loewen (back), and Kerry Dyck (r), lay hands on pastor Magnus of Bethel Evangelical Eritrean Church in Edmonton, as discussions continue with the Edmonton Church Planting Task Force to begin a multi-denominational initiative with a “multicultural mindset.”

Konrad Loewen, chair of the Alberta Church Extension Commission introduced Vision 2012.24, a project hoping to see the birth of 24 new ministry initiatives by 2012. These initiatives, said Loewen, are not necessarily church plants but opportunities unique to each church and region. Loewen encouraged delegates to ask God how their church could get involved. “God rarely does things the same twice,” Loewen proclaimed.

To kick off the project, SunWest Christian Fellowship of Calgary is starting a multi-site initiative where one congregation will meet at two different locations, and The River Christian Fellowship of Calgary is launching a home church initiative called Home Fire, centred around values of adaptability and speed (slow!). Other opportunities may include ethnic ministry development, partnerships with other denominations, and innercity ministry.

Less pleasant business occurred when delegates voted to release Tofield Gospel Church and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Calgary from membership in the Alberta Conference. Earlier, the FLC had made efforts to resolve conflicts with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Calgary after the pastor left and a church split occurred.

With prairie hugs and hats-off, delegates left the Alberta convention with a feeling they had just attended an intimate family gathering and a strong desire to see the wind of God’s Spirit blowing through their province.

—Laura Kalmar